In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, which has caused severe flooding, loss of life, and widespread disruption across Sri Lanka, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on 28 November 2025 to provide urgent Search & Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) support to its closest maritime neighbour.
In coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, the Government of India immediately handed over 9.5 tons of emergency rations from two Indian Navy ships docked in Colombo. Additionally, three Indian Air Force aircraft were deployed to airlift 31.5 tons of relief materials, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food items, medicines and surgical equipment, as well as two BHISHM cubes with a five-member medical team for on-site training. A contingent of 80 specialised Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was also sent to support ongoing rescue efforts. Furthermore, 12 tons of additional relief supplies were dispatched aboard the Indian Navy Ship Sukanya. In total, 53 tons of relief material have been handed over.
Working closely with the Sri Lankan Air Force, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force conducted extensive rescue missions, airlifting stranded individuals, including pregnant women, infants, and critically injured persons. Those rescued included nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. NDRF teams continue to carry out search-and-rescue operations across several severely affected and isolated regions, helping flood-hit families and ensuring their immediate safety. More than 150 individuals have been rescued and assisted so far, with operations still ongoing.
Evacuation of Indian nationals stranded due to Cyclone Ditwah has also been facilitated through special Indian Air Force flights and commercial aircraft, with over 2,000 Indians already brought home safely.
Guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India continues to act as the First Responder, standing in solidarity with the Government and people of Sri Lanka during this critical period, and remains committed to supporting ongoing rescue, relief, and early recovery efforts.
